“La Semana Santa” in 5 popular expressions

This week we’re celebrating la Semana Santa in Spain. Many Spanish people decide to take their holidays and try their luck going to the beach (the weather in April can be a problem), to the mountain or, maybe, to a foreign country.

1. Meter el dedo en la llaga

When Jesus was crucified, a Roman soldier pierced his side with a spear. Three days later, when Christ returned to life, one of his disciples, who couldn’t believe it, introduced his fingers in his master’s wound (llaga). In this way, he became a believer. Nowadays, we use this expression when we do or ask something inconvenient that can make a situation worse.

2. Llorar como una magdalena

Mary Magdalene was a Jesus’ disciple. She always attended his master’s speeches and was present the day of his crucifixion. That day, she cried a lot. So, llorar como una magdalena means the action of crying disconsolately.

3. Lavarse las manos

When Jesus was taken before the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, this one looked at the prisoner, made some questions and washed his hands as a symbol of impartiality. He didn’t want to interfere with Jewish laws. Today, we still use this expression with that meaning: I want to have nothing to do with that.

4. Pasar un calvario

The mount Calvario, also known as Golgotha, was the place were Jesus was crucified. He had to climb this mount, carrying a wooden cross on his shoulders. Because of that terrible effort, we use this expression with the meaning of living a distressing situation.

5. La procesión va por dentro

Procesión is maybe the most typical word these days. Many streets of Spanish cities will be full of people, watching these religious parades, that show different moments of the Passion of Jesus. People watching these events keep quiet, full of feelings inside. That’s why we use this expression, when a person is suffering but he or she is showing a normal appearance.

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I was born in Badajoz (Extremadura) and I currently live in Bilbao (Basque Country). I studied a Bachelor degree in Spanish Language and Literature and an International House degree as a qualified teacher of Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language. I think languages are the key that opens the doors to new cultures and I love teaching mine.